Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo V6 Diesel Review

Ever since Jeep released its latest version of the Grand Cherokee in 2011 it has been a revelation. Here we have an American 4WD that has legendary off road capability combined with powerful and economical diesel motor packaged in a stylish body. The Laredo is the entry level model.

When you first sit inside the Grand Cherokee Laredo you immediately feel comfortable. The heated, 8 way electrically adjustable front seats also have 4 way adjustable lumbar support. The leather wrapped steering wheel is height and reach adjustable, thick rimmed and delightful to use.

Tall drivers could use a little more slide but overall it’s a comfortable driving position. Note that the foot brake gets in the way especially as the left foot has limited space.

In front of the driver, the dash has two large dials and a MFD in between. All are clear and easy to read. Controls for MFD and radio etc are on the steering wheel. The centre stack houses the Media Centre Radio with CD/DVD/MP3 radio, all controlled through a 16.5 cm touch screen. Features include a 40GB hard-drive, Voice Command(6) and audio jack, Uconnect™ Phone, and Bluetooth® compatible.

Rear passengers are well catered for with adequate head, shoulder and knee room unless there is a tall driver. There is plenty of boot space and with the 60/40 rear seats folded flat there is an enormous area available.

The heart of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo is the combination diesel engine and Quadra-Trac 4wd system. The new 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel engine produces 177 kW at 4,000 rpm with 550 Nm of torque at 1,800-2,800 rpm. This power is delivered through a 5 speed automatic.

Jeeps Quadra-Trac II is a two-speed transfer case that uses input from a variety of sensors in order to determine tyre slip at the earliest possible moment and take corrective action. When tyre slippage is detected, as much as 100 percent of available torque is instantly routed to the axle with the most traction.

The all-new Selec-Terrain traction control system lets customers choose the setting for the optimum experience on all types of terrain. This feature electronically coordinates up to 12 different powertrain, braking and suspension systems, including throttle control, transmission shift, transfer case, ASTC and ESC. Quite frankly it is fantastic.

Other standard safety features include air bags for the driver and front passenger, full-length side-curtain air bags for front and rear outboard passengers, seat-mounted side thorax air bags, standard driver inflatable knee bolster and active head restraints that deploy in the event of a rear collision.

Towing with the powerful, torquey V6 Diesel is a breeze with 3500Kg capacity and standard Trailer-sway Control (TSC). Add the Quadra-Lift suspension and it gets better.

All up the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo V6 Diesel is a superb 4WD that is as comfortable on city streets as it is on the track to Broome.

Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director
Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, many years ago. He has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then.
Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures.
He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive.

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